¹¹ The Ekronites called all the Philistine rulers together.^(A) They said, “Send the ark of Israel’s God away. Let it return to its place so it won’t kill us and our people!” ^[a] For the fear of death pervaded the city; God’s hand was oppressing them.^(B)

¹³ So the Philistines were subdued^(A) and^[a] did not invade Israel’s territory again.^(B) The Lord’s hand was against the Philistines all of Samuel’s life.